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What is a Parrotlet? |
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The parrotlet is the smallest companion parrot. Don't let the size fool you, these birds are true parrots in every sense of the word. Parrotlets come from South America and have a wide range varying by species. Many people believe these birds are distantly related to the Amazon parrot, and in many ways they are very similar. These birds are feisty, determined and very playful. They are unable to scream, yet will chatter and make their desires and wishes known. They can be cuddly and affectionate, yet they are able to entertain themselves in their cages. They often become protective of what they consider theirs, whether it is their cage, toys, or even their special person. There are several species of Forpus, although typically three are kept as pets in the United States. These are the Pacific Parrotlet, the Green Rumped Parrotlet and the Spectacled Parrotlet. At Dancing Feathers we have Pacifics and Spectacleds, although at this time our Spectacled parrotlets are not breeding. The most common parrotlet is the Pacific Parrotlet, Forpus coelestis. This bird is about 5 1/2 inches long and weighs from 26-32 grams. The wild color of this bird is beautiful shades of green with touches of blue. The male has a blue eyestreak as well as a bright blue rump and blue wing feathers. The females are predominantly green, but have several different shades of green, which is quite lovely. There are now several different color mutations available in this species. Our breeding pair consist of a double split male and a white female. This combination gives us green, blue, yellow and white babies. For a more detailed description of these birds, please refer to the Parrotlet Alliance website at www.parrotletalliance.com. For tips on how to care for a parrotlet, please continue to the next page. |
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